Carlo Ancelotti is aiming to avenge Real Madrid's two defeats to rivals Atletico Madrid last season when they travel to the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday.
On their way to a 15th LaLiga crown, Madrid lost their only game of the league season in a 3-1 defeat to Diego Simeone's side in September.
Atletico also knocked Los Blancos out of the Copa Del Ray in the last 16, while their reverse fixture later in LaLiga ended in a 1-1 draw.
This weekend's hosts have won two of their last three home derbies against Madrid in the league (L1), while also entering the upcoming derby in impressive form.
Atletico have not lost any of their last eight league matches (W5 D3), their best unbeaten run in LaLiga since a 13-match run at the start of last year.
During Simeone's Atletico tenure, he has 12 wins in his 43 derbies as their head coach against Madrid in all competitions (D15 L16), the same as the number of wins they achieved in their previous 77 meetings with Los Blancos before his arrival.
Ancelotti also has a poor record against his opposite number, losing nine of his 24 matches against Simeone across all competitions (W9 D6).
Only against Luciano Spalletti (11) has he suffered more defeats in his entire managerial career, and Ancelotti is expecting another difficult test for his side.
"It's obvious that we have to avoid the mistakes of last year. That learning could be useful for tomorrow's game. It is a difficult stadium," Ancelotti told reporters.
"I think Atletico have improved a lot, they've signed good players and I think they'll fight until the end for this League with us and with Barcelona."
Madrid, however, will be without their leading marksman Kylian Mbappe, who has been ruled out for three weeks with a hamstring injury.
Mbappe has seven goals in his first nine appearances for Los Blancos in all competitions, racking up more shots (39) than any other player in LaLiga, while also recording a division-high expected goals (xG) total of 6.97.
But Ancelotti insisted nothing changes for his players in the Frenchman's absence as they aim to keep the pressure on league leaders Barcelona.
"Without Mbappe it changes a little, but not much. It's a shame that he's not here but we can make up for him well," the Italian coach added.
"Camavinga has recovered well, he is in good condition. If a player is available, he can play 90 minutes or none at all."
Maguire out for 'a few weeks' as Man Utd injury list grows
Harry Maguire has confirmed he will be sidelined for "a few weeks" after sustaining an injury against Aston Villa.
The centre-back went down holding his calf in the first half of Manchester United's 0-0 draw on Sunday and was substituted at half-time, before he was seen leaving Villa Park in a protective boot.
He has made nine appearances for United so far this season, coming off the bench to score the equaliser in their 3-3 Europa League draw with Porto prior to Sunday’s game.
"Frustrated to pick up an injury at the weekend, will be a few weeks on the sidelines for me, but I'll come back stronger," Maguire posted on Instagram.
He joins Noussair Mazraoui, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo on United's injury list, with the trio all pulling out of their respective international squads after sustaining issues in that game.
Ten Hag doing 'a brilliant job' at Man Utd despite pressure, says Moyes
Former Manchester United manager David Moyes believes Erik ten Hag is doing a "brilliant job" at the club despite the Dutchman coming under pressure.
United have made their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign in history, taking just eight points from their seven games so far, and sit in 14th.
It is their lowest tally at this stage of a league campaign since 1989-90 (seven) when they finished 13th in the top-flight.
They are winless in their last five games in all competitions, drawing four of those, including their opening two Europa League matches around a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have also only netted five goals in the Premier League this term, their lowest at this stage in the competition, with only 19th-place Southampton scoring less than them.
As such, Ten Hag has come under pressure once again, with some reports suggesting the club are lining up potential replacements, though the manager insists he has the backing of the club's hierarchy.
However, Moyes, who managed the club between July 2014 and April 2014, believes the 54-year-old is handling the scrutiny well.
"It's really difficult, but when you go into a job like that, it's always going to be like that," Moyes told BBC Sport.
"I think [Ten Hag] has showed brilliant resilience in the situation he is in. He should be credited for how well he has conducted himself.
"I don't see him ducking any questions or any media interviews, so I think you have to give him great credit for that.
"But it's a job which is going to attract immense pressure and have an immense amount of people talking.
"I think he is doing a brilliant job."
Magee eager to make mark in Concacaf Nations League on return to Reggae Boyz setup
After almost a year on the outside watching from a distance, Tyreek Magee is now buzzing with excitement about his return to Jamaica’s senior Reggae Boyz set up for their upcoming Concacaf Nations League fixtures against Nicaragua and Honduras.
Magee, whose name is synonymous with flair and creativity in the midfield, seems set to make his first senior Reggae Boyz appearance since late last year, and it is an opportunity he is hoping to grasp with a showcase his growth to once again re-establish himself on the international stage.
The 25-year-old has been holding his own in the USL Championship with Colorado Switchbacks, scoring three goals in 13 appearances, as he has impressed fans and critics alike with his performances this season.
Magee’s consistent displays and creative vision caught the eye of Reggae Boyz Head coach, Steve McClaren, who believes his inclusion could bolster a squad brimming with attacking talent for the October 10 and 14 League A encounters.
For Magee, the return to the national fold is both a validation of his hard work and a stepping stone for what’s to come.
“I'm definitely happy to be back in the squad. It's been a while now, so I'm looking forward to it,” Magee, who has 10 international caps, said in an interview ahead of the team’s departure for Nicaragua.
“I’m excited and looking forward to making the most of this opportunity. As I said before, it’s been a while since I’ve been with the squad, and I’ve been putting in a lot of work to make sure I’m ready. I need to affect the games as much as possible, so whatever minutes I get, I need to make the most of it so I'm really looking forward to these two games,” he added.
The former Jamaica College and Harbour View FC standout has had an eventful journey since leaving the island for opportunities abroad. After a four-year spell in Belgium with KAS Eupen, Magee found his rhythm again in the USL, where he has been lauded for his technical ability and leadership on the pitch.
Despite the challenges of adjusting to different leagues and styles of play, Magee never lost sight of his goal—returning to the Reggae Boyz setup. His inclusion in the squad comes at a pivotal time for Jamaica, as they look to secure vital points in the Nations League and continue building momentum under McClaren’s leadership.
These upcoming matches — away to Nicaragua on Thursday and at home to Honduras next Monday — are crucial in shaping the Boyz’ path toward potential qualification for the Concacaf Gold Cup and, ultimately, the 2026 World Cup.
The Boyz currently head Group B on four points, same as Nicaragua, with Honduras (three points) and Cuba (two points) in close quarters. French Guiana and Trinidad and Tobago round out the group with a point each.
McClaren, who took over the reins earlier this year, has emphasized a possession-based style with a focus on midfield creativity, making Magee’s return particularly timely.
“I’ve always looked for a number 10; a creative player out of the box, somebody who can change games and I asked Merron [Gordon] and he recommended Tyreek [Magee]. I had a little look at him and I liked him. This boy has ability, skill, and can change a game and I said yeah, we’ll give him a chance. That’s what I aim to do,” McClaren shared.
With the window of opportunity now opened up for the midfielder, Magee’s focus is clear—perform well, seize the opportunity, and help the team achieve its goals.
“I’ve learned a lot over the past year about myself and about my game. I did a lot of self-searching and stuff where I was just thinking to myself, like, what I want from football and stuff like that, and I feel like it's been helping me so far. I’m in a good place right now, and I want to show that on the field, so I’m ready to give everything for the team,” Magee declared.
Another exciting prospect of Magee’s call-up is the fact that he could possibly get to grace the international stage alongside former Jamaica College teammate Norman Campbell.
“Yeah, it's something that doesn't really happen much, so I want to embrace it. We grew up in the same community as well, so I'm definitely looking forward to playing with him [Norman Campbell] representing the country,” he ended.
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